The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Obi described the move as “unconstitutional and reckless,” accusing Tinubu of disregarding the rule of law and demonstrating a willingness to undermine democracy.
Obi argued that the situation in Rivers does not justify emergency rule and the suspension of Governor Siminlayi Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers. He emphasized that this action sets a dangerous precedent, threatening democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers.
The former presidential candidate appealed to the National Assembly and stakeholders to intervene, warning that allowing the emergency rule to stand would deepen the culture of impunity and threaten democracy.
